With the Warriors clinging to a 15-13 halftime lead and struggling in the second quarter, after dominating the first quarter and regaining control in the third quarter en route to a 42-20 win.
” Will we started out good, we jumped out on them 15-0 and had a chance to goe up 21-0 on them, but Tony Sekona catch was intercepted on the 15 yard line,” coach John Featherstone said.
The Warriors nearly blow a 15-point lead in the second quarter, when they allowed the Roadrunners to score 13 unanswered points.
“We got a little flat and we lost our killer instinct, but we got that killer instinct back in the third quarter and we scored two touchdowns and we had them goes three and out,” Featherstone said.
After making halftime adjustments and hearing a strong message from Featherstone, the team responded on it’s opening drive.
“We went back to playing physical football and we dominated them in the third quarter,” Featherstone said.
With this week off, the team will take it easy, before returning back to business next week.
“Where going to prepare for the second biggest game of the year since the Bakersfield game, today the team watched video and lifted weights and will practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and will practice all of next week,” Featherstone said.
The Warriors next game is October 31 against Mt. San Antonio at 6p.m. in Murdock Stadium. The Mounties are currently ranked No.9, while the Warriors are currently ranked No.1, according to JCGridiron.com.
“This is the next toughest game since the Bakersfield game and they have been to three National Championship games and they always play us tough and their 6-1 on the season,” Featherstone said.
The Warriors will look to rebound from last year’s 26-21 lost to Mt. SAC, who a season ago where No.1.
“Last year they beat us, but we beat them the previous three years and the sophomore’s want to win this game and this is the first time in four years they come to Murdock Stadium and where not going to be heavy underdogs like last year,” Featherstone said.
The Warriors had 499 yards of offense, including 164 on the ground and 335 on the air.
On offense, quarterback Matt Simms went 22-30 for 326 yards and a touchdown throw.
Wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins had seven catches for 74 yards.
Running Back Ken Ashley had 129 yards on eight carries and two touchdown scores.
Running Back Tony Sekona had 8 yards on two carries and a touchdown and had five carries for 48 yards.
“Oh it was tough but I got it in thanks to the offensive line of Ken Ashley and LaFelton Traxler,” Sekona said.
Wide receiver Erik Stewart had a catch for 27 yards.
On defense, cornerback Mike Harris and defensive line Daniel Stewart had good games.
“Well our coverage was meant for me to play the flats and they had been running out all game of that formation and the defensive line got some pressure and their quarterback made a bad throw and I was in position to make a play,” Harris said.